Grid Interconnection

The majority of new photovoltaic (PV) systems being installed in the UK are connected to the electricity network and operate as decentralised power generators, operating in parallel with the mains.

Whilst there are no fundamental principles that prevent the connection of PV systems into local electricity supply networks, electricity companies are subject to various statutory and legal requirements which could be compromised by certain characteristics of grid-connected PV systems. Consequentially, any increased use of PV systems is likely to have a significant impact on the future design, operation and management of electricity supply networks. Grid connection of PV systems is governed by certain Engineering Recommendations.

Work in this area previously fell within PVPS 'Task 5' "Grid interconnection of building integrated and other dispersed photovoltaic systems", which was completed at the end of 2002. The results of this research have been published in a series of reports available for download from the PVPS international website.

As part of the UK 's Strategic PV Network Study , UK experts contributed to the IEA-PVPS research to examine the impact on the existing electrical power distribution network of high penetration levels of grid-connected PV systems.

More recently The Carbon Trust & DTI Renewable Networks Impact Study assessed the ability of the electricity networks to accommodate the Government’s target to have 10% of electricity generated from renewable energy sources by 2010 and its aspiration to double that percentage by 2020.

Current activities in distributed generation in the UK are co-ordinated by the Electricity Networks Strategy Group.